Disney signs a first-look deal with Colin Kaepernick that includes a Jemele Hill-produced ESPN docuseries on his life

ESPN Pressroom

One week after Kaepernick teamed with Netflix and Ava DuVernay on a scripted series on his high school years, Kaepernick has partnered with Disney on a first-look deal to tell "scripted and unscripted stories that explore race, social injustice and the quest for equity, and will provide a new platform to showcase the work of Black and Brown directors and producers." Kaepernick will also team with former ESPN personality Jemele Hill on a docuseires that documents the last five years of his life, including his decision to start kneeling in 2016 during the National Anthem to protest police brutality. "During this unprecedented time, The Walt Disney Company remains committed to creating diverse and inclusive content that resonates and matters. Colin’s experience gives him a unique perspective on the intersection of sports, culture and race, which will undoubtedly create compelling stories that will educate, enlighten and entertain, and we look forward to working with him on this important collaboration," said Disney executive chairman Bob Iger in a statement. ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro, who was hired to make sure the sports network avoided politics, said in a statement: “Developing exceptional storytelling told through a wide array of voices is at the core of who we are at ESPN. Colin has had a singular path as both an athlete and an activist, and, as the nation continues to confront racism and social injustice, it feels particularly relevant to hear Colin’s voice on his evolution and motivations.” Kaepernick said of his Disney deal: “I am excited to announce this historic partnership with Disney across all of its platforms to elevate Black and Brown directors, creators, storytellers, and producers, and to inspire the youth with compelling and authentic perspectives. I look forward to sharing the docuseries on my life story, in addition to many other culturally impactful projects we are developing.”